Bladder and Kidney Infection Symptoms

All about bladder and kidney infection symptoms......

Many people, mostly women, suffer from bladder infections and because if left untreated this condition can lead to a kidney infection it's important to familiarize yourself with common bladder and kidney infection symptoms.

There are several commonly used names under the umbrella of urinary tract infection. Some of these include UTI, bladder infection, kidney infection, and lower urinary tract infection so if you hear these terms don't be confused.

Many conditions affecting the bladder, kidneys, or urethra are described as urinary tract infections (UTI) and most urinary tract infections (UTI) are concentrated in the bladder and urethra.

In addition, a bladder infection many times is referred to as cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, and/or urinary tract infection.

Other terms include urethritis, an infection of the urethra and pyelonephritis, a kidney infection.

A bladder infection is not considered a serious condition if treated right away. However, if not treated early and well, the infection can spread to the kidneys causing a kidney infection.

Kidney infections are much more serious than bladder infections. In fact, kidney infections can be quite serious so both bladder and kidney infections require immediate attention.

Before discussing bladder and kidney infection symptoms, let's briefly touch upon what are some of the causes of bladder infections or urinary tract infections.

What Causes Bladder Infections?

(Urinary tract infections)

More than 20 percent of women develop a bladder infection each year. Nearly 85 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by a bacterium known as E. coli, which is normally found in the intestines. It is more common in women than men due to the female anatomy.

The kidneys, bladder, ureters, penis, and urethra are all players in filtering and removing waste material (urine) from the body. In women, the opening to the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder) is close to the rectum and the vagina.

As such, bacteria can migrate from the rectum, where bacterial counts are high, to the area around the vagina and urethra. This in turn makes it easier for bacteria to find their way into the bladder. On the other hand, men have a longer urethra.

However, men also need to err with caution because urinary tract infections can also occur in men, and it may be a sign of serious underlying conditions such as problems with the prostate gland.

Another possible cause of bladder infections is the sexually transmitted infection known as chlamydia.

In addition, the chances of developing bladder infections may be increased by many factors, including sexual intercourse, the use of a diaphragm, pregnancy, and systemic disorders such as diabetes.

Indeed, there are several ways bacteria can find its way to the bladder.

Bladder and Kidney Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of bladder infections include:

sharp pain or burning during urination

frequent urge to urinate

urine often has a strong, foul odor, and may appear cloudy

inability to fully empty bladder

possible blood in urine

soreness in lower abdomen, back, or sides

If the bacteria travels higher in the body, from the bladder into the kidneys (through connecting tubes called ureters), you may develop a UTI called pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection. This can cause upper back and flank pain, high fever, shaking chills, and nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of kidney infections include:

All of the above bladder symptoms

back pain

chills

fever

nausea

vomiting

It is important to note that a proper diagnosis is vital since these symptoms can also be caused by other problems. Only your physician can make the distinction and make a correct diagnosis.

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We hope this Bladder and Kidney Infection Symptoms web page was useful to you.

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And remember, only a physician can make a correct diagnosis of bladder and kidney infection symptoms.